Requesting a Proclamation…Why It’s Important

Proclamations are official documents issued by government officials at various levels, such as state governors or local mayors. They recognize and honor the contributions and achievements of the IC/BPS cause. By seeking a proclamation, we can effectively raise awareness about IC/BPS.

A proclamation is issued for a day/week/month in order to bring awareness to an issue (like IC/BPS), event, or celebration.

Obtaining a proclamation adds credibility and legitimacy to our cause. When a government official publicly acknowledges and supports a cause through a proclamation, it sends a strong message to the community about the importance of IC/BPS awareness.

The ICA encourages our community to request a proclamation from their jurisdiction for IC/BPS. Proclamations need to be requested annually, and each jurisdiction has a different protocol for submitting. Check your state and local websites for more information and to request your proclamation for IC Awareness Month in September of 2026!

  1. Visit your state or city website (or in person at town hall or the capital) to inquire about the specific process for submitting a request for proclamation. There will likely be a deadline for submitting a request for September.
    • Search online for “request a proclamation in [your state]” OR
    • Go to: www.usa.gov/state-governments and search the state’s website for “request a proclamation.”
  2. Submit a purpose for the proclamation. If asked for a specific date, you can select September 1st. The purpose can be original or feel free to use the suggested template here:
    • Proclamation to Acknowledge/Honor Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month in September: Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic bladder condition that usually consists of multiple symptoms, including recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and/or urinary frequency and urgency. There is no cure. Raising IC Awareness in September aims to impact those suffering, often in silence or without a diagnosis, and to increase public awareness of this debilitating and uncomfortable disease.
  3. The governing office may request that you submit a “whereas” outline for the actual proclamation. The “whereas” outline is below and can be amended at will. 

Your jurisdiction will likely request WHEREAS Statements. Please use the statements listed below.

WHEREAS, up to 12 million Americans (3 to 8 million women and 1 to 4 million men) suffer from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a chronic bladder condition that usually consists of multiple symptoms including recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and/or urinary frequency and urgency.

WHEREAS, the root cause of IC/BPS remains unknown and there is no cure;

WHEREAS, an appropriate diagnosis can take months or years for patients, as there is no specific test to identify IC/BPS, and treatment options and levels of relief vary greatly from patient to patient;

WHEREAS, IC/BPS involves chronic pain which can greatly impact a patient’s everyday activities, including the ability to work and mental health;

WHEREAS, IC/BPS patients have historically faced a lack of dignity and understanding for their condition;

WHEREAS, the Interstitial Cystitis Association is the only non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for IC/BPS awareness and research funding, while providing a community for patients to connect;

Now, THEREFORE, I, (Mayor X or Governor X), do hereby proclaim September (insert year) as: Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month

If asked to submit sources, you can use the links below:

The Interstitial Cystitis Association: www.ichelp.org

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354357

NIH: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/interstitial-cystitis-painful-bladder-syndrome

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/interstitial-cystitis/about/index.html

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